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[MUST READ] Are You In Danger?

 

By Kevin DiDonato MS, CSCS, CES


In the past, we warned you about the potential dangers lurking in your sunscreen.

And with spring here and summer fast approaching, we are here to refresh your memory, so to speak.

Now, before we get into some of the dangers (and a fresh look at a new one), let’s review why people use sunscreen in the first place.

The Growing Demand for Sunscreen

As the weather gets warmer, more and more people will be shedding their winter clothing for short sleeve shirts or tank tops.

But most people will lather their skin up with sunscreen in order to block the sun’s rays. 

Why would they do this?

Well for starters, it has to do with the increased risk for skin cancer, otherwise known as melanoma.

The facts are: One in every five people will develop skin cancer in their lifetime.   That could equal out to roughly 35 million people each year.

Current statistics show that there will be over 137,000 new cases of melanoma diagnosed this year alone.    

And those numbers are expected to go up!

That’s why most people use sunscreen – to block out the dangerous radiation from the sun’s warm rays, which only get stronger the closer we get to summer.

That’s why many people turn to sunscreen as a way to block the harmful rays and protect their skin in the process.

But are they doing the smart thing by smothering their skin with sunscreen?

The Dangers of Sunscreen

There are many potential dangers that may be found in commercial sunscreens.

But one of the WORST dangers and one that is rarely talked about – is how sunscreen blocks the production of vitamin D.

You see, your body is a natural powerhouse for producing vitamin D.  But it does this with help from the sun.

So, when you block out the sun’s rays with sunscreen, you are essentially squashing your body’s ability to produce adequate vitamin D levels.

Now, low vitamin D (commonly called the sunshine vitamin) may boost fat loss, fight off depression, ward off diabetes, and may strengthen your bones.

That’s why it’s so important that you get some sunshine on your exposed skin (only talking 10 minutes) to produce this potent vitamin.

But that’s only the tip of the proverbial iceberg!

You see, sunscreen contains chemicals.  And these chemicals may be extremely hazardous to your health.

For example, one chemical that is found in sunscreen – benzophenones – may seep into your body and cause some significant damage.

This chemical may mimic the hormone estrogen, which for men could lead to issues with testosterone.

And in women, it could lead to changes in their uterus – by increasing the risk for endometriosis.

A new study shows that women with excess benzophenones in their bloodstream may be more at risk for developing this painful condition.

So what should you do?

Avoid These THREE Popular Sunscreens

As a review, there are three types of sunscreen that you should avoid:

1. Chemical Sunscreens

Besides the increased risk for endometriosis and lower testosterone levels, chemical sunscreens pose other dangers as well.

Chemical sunscreens (most popular brands) are made to absorb and reflect the sun’s rays away from your body.

But here’s the deal: One chemical – avobenzone – may absorb the rays, however, it may be rapidly broken down by the sun.

This means that there are more chemicals added – to stabilize avobenzone  - in order for it to function.

Not good for your health.

Oh, and since the sun’s rays are absorbed or reflected, that may mean your body is unable to use the rays to produce vitamin D.

2. Vitamin A-Enriched Sunscreens

Vitamin A, which is a cosmetic ingredient, may reduce fine lines and wrinkles that occur due to age and overexposure to the sun.

What's the connection?

Well, when you get sunburned, there’s a pretty good chance you damaged the deeper layers of your skin.  And the worse the sunburn is, the more damage has occurred.

Since vitamin A is a powerful antioxidant that protects the skin, it may have been the smart move to include this into sunscreens.

However, studies show that vitamin A-enriched sunscreens may cause lesions to appear on the skin or even the development of skin tumors.

3. Spray-on Sunscreens

Spray-on sunscreens may be popular for parents and kids alike.  Not only are they so much easier to apply, it takes seconds for the sunscreen to dry, therefore adding a layer of protection.

However, there’s a pretty big problem with aerosol spray sunscreens: They may dry quickly enough, which could leave danger vapors hovering over the skin.

And if you’re exposed to an open flame (BBQ, or someone nearby smoking), then you could be at risk for those vapors to ignite, which could cause some very severe damage to your skin (think first, second, or even third degree burns).

Take Home Message

As the weather starts to get warmer, many people will start to switch out their winter clothing for t-shirt, shorts, tank tops, and bikinis.

They will also break out the sunscreen!  Although designed to protect your skin and health, sunscreens may do just the opposite.

There are certain sunscreens that are safe and could be used to protect your skin.  In fact, EWG has come out with a helpful guide for choosing the right sunscreen. 

If you want to stay safe this summer – and enjoy all the wonderful benefits of the sun – then you should follow these specific rules:

1. AVOID long periods in the sun without proper protection from non-toxic sunscreens

2. Stay in the shade during the hours of 12 and 3 (the sun is at its highest with UVA and UVB rays at their strongest), and wear protective clothing if you can

3. Wear lightweight clothing that reflects the sun (white is the best for reflecting the sun’s rays, avoid black)

4. Always wear a hat

5. AVOID tanning beds.  Artificial light from tanning beds may increase your risk for developing skin cancer

If you want to protect your health – and enjoy the summer warmth and sun – then follow the five steps from above AND avoid the three of the deadliest sunscreens.

 

References:

Grant WB.  How strong is the evidence that solar ultraviolet B and vitamin D reduce the risk of cancer?  Dermatoendocrinol.  2008 Jan0Feb;1(1):17-24.

National Toxicology Program.  Photocarcinogensis study of retinoic acid and retinyl palmitate (CAS Nos. 30279-4. (All trans-retinioc Acid) and 79-81-2 (all-trans-retinyl palmitrate)] in SKH-1 mice (Simulated Solar Light and Topical Application Study).  Natl Toxicol Program Tech Rep Ser.  2012 Jul;(568):1-352.

https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/700596/AVOBENZONE/#

Kunisue T, Chen Z, Buck Louis GM, Sundaram R, Hediger ML, Sun L, Kannan K.  Urinary concentrations of benzophenone-type UV filters in U.S. women and their association with endometriosis.  Enviromen Sci Techniol.  2012 Apr 17;46(*8):4624-32.